U.S. Chamber of Commerce to push for federal gas tax increase

Jan. 17, 2018

The chamber is expected to introduce a proposal this week to raise the gas tax by 25 cents per gallon

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is making a push to raise the federal gas tax by 25 cents per gallon to help pay for the nation’s infrastructure.

The proposal, which will be formally introduced later this week, is part of a series of principles the nation’s largest business lobby will offer in a bid to help shape the debate about upgrading U.S. roads, bridges, airports and other critical infrastructure.

President Trump said an infrastructure bill was a priority of his first 100 days in office—and one with potential for bipartisan support—but it was put on the back burner in favor of other legislative issues. The White House has pledged to introduce its vision of a bill before Trump’s State of the Union address this month.

As envisioned by the chamber, the 25-cent increase would be applied to the current taxes of 18.4 cents per gallon for gasoline and 24.4 cents per gallon for diesel fuel. It is estimated that the increased levy would raise more than $375 billion over the coming decade, chamber staff members said.

Chamber President Thomas J. Donohue said the chamber also plans to offer ideas to encourage additional private investments in infrastructure projects, including expansion of existing federal loan programs. And he said the chamber shares Trump’s goal of streamlining the permitting process for highways and other projects, including at the local level.

-----------

Source: The Washington Post

Sponsored Recommendations

The Science Behind Sustainable Concrete Sealing Solutions

Extend the lifespan and durability of any concrete. PoreShield is a USDA BioPreferred product and is approved for residential, commercial, and industrial use. It works great above...

Proven Concrete Protection That’s Safe & Sustainable

Real-life DOT field tests and university researchers have found that PoreShieldTM lasts for 10+ years and extends the life of concrete.

Revolutionizing Concrete Protection - A Sustainable Solution for Lasting Durability

The concrete at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center is subject to several potential sources of damage including livestock biowaste, food/beverage waste, and freeze/thaw...

The Future of Concrete Preservation

PoreShield is a cost-effective, nontoxic alternative to traditional concrete sealers. It works differently, absorbing deep into the concrete pores to block damage from salt ions...